Speech of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs at the Shorandam Cement Factory Inauguration in Kandahar
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
Distinguished officials of the various institutions of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, respected leaders, Mujahideen, representatives of the media, and all esteemed attendees!
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you!
I hope you are all in good health.
I am pleased to participate in this ceremony marking the commencement of production operations at a cement factory in Kandahar Province. First and foremost, I would like to congratulate my dear compatriots on the commencement of practical operations of this significant project. I also extend my appreciation to all the responsible parties for their efforts in taking this major step towards the growth and development of the country's industrial sector.
Esteemed attendees,
We can achieve sustainable economic development when we make sustainable use of our own resources and take well-calculated steps towards industrial policy and national development.
Our strategic and economic vision is to gradually transform Afghanistan from a consumer-based economy into a production-oriented economy, meet domestic needs through appropriate import substitution policies, expand value chains in production processes, and increase exports.
Our objective and responsibility are to establish a production system grounded in sound economic principles and capable of generating tangible value in the country's development process.
Praise be to Allah, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is continuously creating favourable conditions for the implementation of major national projects in order to fulfil this great responsibility.
Esteemed attendees,
This cement factory in Kandahar has officially commenced its production operations, with a daily production capacity of 1,500 tones. It directly employs 1,000 of our compatriots and has also created employment opportunities for thousands of others indirectly.
In the near future, work on the factory's second phase will also commence. Upon its completion, the factory's total daily production capacity will reach 5,000 tonnes, creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for many more of our compatriots.
Cement is considered one of the essential construction materials for infrastructure development, including houses, roads, bridges, dams, schools, hospitals, industrial parks, and other projects. Afghanistan continuously requires construction materials to expand its infrastructure, meet housing needs, and strengthen economic activities. Expanding domestic cement production capacity can play a fundamental role in meeting the requirements of the country's construction sector.
If this factory continues its production operations while maintaining high quality and competitive prices, it will have the practical capacity to meet domestic market demand and substitute a portion of imports, thereby preventing foreign currency outflows.
I strongly urge the factory's management to fulfil this important responsibility by ensuring that all operations are carried out with high quality and in accordance with recognized standards.
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.